Homes in Germany generate less trash.
Starting in 2013, Germany witnessed a yearly increase in waste generation, with a total of over 400 million tons being produced annually. However, for the first time in nine years, waste production in 2022 experienced a decrease, dropping beneath the 400 million ton threshold. In one specific region, the decline in waste was especially noteworthy.
According to preliminary results from the Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), around 399.1 million tons of waste were reportedly disposed of in 2022. This marks the first year since 2013 that waste production in Germany remained below the 400 million ton mark. In comparison to 2021, a total of 12.4 million tons (3%) less waste was discarded. The Federal Office revealed this data in conjunction with the International Day of the Environment on June 5th.
"The reduction in waste production throughout 2022 affected all categories of waste," said Destatis' statisticians. Initially, household waste experienced the greatest decrease. This encompasses trash originating from individual homes and institutions such as medical centers or cafeterias. Consequently, there was a 6.2% decrease or 3.2 million tons less waste accumulated in this area compared to the year before.
Secondary waste, categorized as already treated trash, also suffered a 3.5% reduction or 2.1 million tons less than 2021. Construction and demolition waste followed a similar trajectory, with 5.8 million tons (2.6%) less being disposed of in this area compared to the previous year. This category represented 54.2% of the overall waste output, totaling 216.2 million tons.
Secondary waste accounted for 14.3% (57.1 million tons) of the entire waste amount, whereas household waste was responsible for 12.2% (48.6 million tons) in 2022. The figures also indicate that 326.5 million tons of waste were recycled that year, translating to a 81.8% recycling rate. The majority of the waste — around 70.2% — was either repurposed or handled in an eco-friendly manner. 16.3% of the waste, however, was deposited in landfills.
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The Federal Statistical Office of Germany released data indicating a 3% decrease in waste disposal on the International Day of the Environment in 2022, with significant reductions in household waste and secondary waste categories. Due to this decrease, environmental toxins and pollution from waste could potentially be reduced, contributing to improved environmental protection efforts at an international level.
